I also regard those needles to be broomsticks. I only use 8mm needles when I’m felting. Otherwise, I knit sweaters and cardigans with 3 or 3.5mm needles, maybe 4mm needles. For socks, I use 2.5 or 3.5mm needles, depending on the yarn.
I definitely prefer thinner yarns and knit, even though I love to try the yarn “Naturelle” by Bergere de France. It has to be knit with 7mm needles, though, and so far this has been a major deterrent for me.